Series 1 - Episode 1

Episode 1

East Londoner Jim has a deep affection for his Ford Transit, even if it can prove less than reliable at times. Having been a welder since the 1970s, this is the second recession Jim has faced. However, his economic situation is much more comfortable than it was in the 1980s, and he now lives in the suburbs with his wife, daughter and large collection of pets. Times are now so good that he has even been able to hire his daughter’s boyfriend Brad as paid help, albeit on a work-experience basis.

Usually called in to fix railings and perform other standard metalwork, Jim is about to start a more eyebrow-raising project: a client wants him to build a human-shaped cage for sado-sexual purposes. After using Brad as a sizing model and meeting up with the client to discuss his blueprints, Jim sets to work. He is clearly pleased to have such a large job to do during the current crisis. He is also pleased with the end result. “It’ll be going on the website,” he says of his latest project.

Jim and Brad then drive down to London to fit the ‘gibbet’ in the home of Dave Courtney. However, the weight of the metal cage with a person inside may prove too heavy for the hooks in Dave’s dungeon. Will the legendary hardman take issue with this turn of events?

In Worthing, Pete and Steve run the Buff Builders Handyman Service, through which they perform a variety of building jobs topless. The venture is only a year old but business is booming, especially among gay men. One repeat customer is Lance, whose neighbours benefit from a free peek of the builders at work. “I nearly crashed into a wall!” one neighbour says after spying the handymen in Lance’s front garden. To raise their profile, the pair strip off for a 2011 calendar. Such activities gain the attention of TV star Annabel Giles, who invites the boys round to fix up her garden in Brighton. Will she be impressed with the lads’ handiwork?